di Raffello Magaldi, Executive Vice President of Magaldi Green Energy
Let's learn more about MGTES, the new thermal energy storage technology patented by Magaldi Green Energy, startup of Magaldi Power aimed to pilot innovations to support energy transition for flexibilization and decarbonization of industrial processes. Magaldi Green Thermal Energy Storage (MGTES) is a flexible, high temperature Thermal Energy Storage (TES) technology for short as well as Long Duration Energy Storage. The system uses electricity for the charging phase and subsequently release energy in the form of heat when needed. MGTES is designed to offer support to renewable energy systems such as wind and solar photovoltaics, representing a sort of energy dispenser “on demand”, accumulating green energy and releasing it when needed, avoiding intermittency.
The MGTES system operates in three simple phases: charge, storage, discharge.
The solid particles bed of MGTES can be heated by electrical energy, trough immersed resistors or radiant panels, or by thermal energy, utilizing high temperature fluid circulated through in-bed heat exchangers. This is the charging phase. During the charging phase, the sand can reach temperatures up to 1000 ° C without changing its thermo-physical properties.
The absorbed energy can be stored for days or even weeks because the fluidization is switched off and the sand packs at the bottom of the module. The absence of convection and the insulation of the tank limit the heat exchange with the outside of the casing, thus minimizing energy losses. This is the storage step.
But how do we discharge the system? Pretty easy: by reversing the operation of the integrated heat exchanger installed within the fluidized bed of sand particles. This stored energy is released as superheated steam up to 600 °C or some other high temperature fluids needed by the industrial processes (such as hot air, for example).
The system can even work in combination with a power-block to generate electricity.
MGTES has been projected to support the current vulnerabilities of renewable energy production systems in a complementary perspective that sees multiple technologies storing green energy together and keeping it available for needs. Thanks to its ability to integrate both with the electricity grid and with industrial users, MGTES represents a breakthrough tool for decarbonising both the power and thermal sectors.
Thanks to MGTES’ technology and its commitment and expertise in developing TES innovations - Magaldi Green Energy has been recently included as Technology Provider in the prestigious LDES Council - Long Duration Energy Storage Council. LDES Council - promoted by McKinsey - was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on the occasion of COP26 - the last United Nations Conference on Climate Change. Its first goal is to support the design and development of solutions, technologies and policies aimed at achieving carbon neutrality.
